Why John Lundstram could be the solution Burnley need
A report by Lancs Live mentions how Sheffield United midfielder John Lundstram would be a good fit for Sean Dyche’s Burnley. Lundstram’s current contract at the Blades expires in the summer of 2021.
The 26-year-old midfielder has rejected the latest contract extension offered to him by Sheffield and could be on the move this January amidst interest from a host of Premier League clubs which does not include Burnley. However, his profile fits the Clarets. (h/t Lancs Live)
Profile
The 26-year-old midfielder earned his first senior professional contract at Everton in 2012. However, in his 3 years with the Toffees, the English midfielder made no appearances for them as he was loaned out on five occasions until his permanent move to fourth-division side Oxford United in 2015.
He spent two productive years with Oxford where he was made the club captain at just 22 years of age. In 2017, the Liverpool-born midfielder joined newly-promoted Championship side Sheffield United. Lundstram has impressed for the Blades since he joined them 3 years ago, having made 96 appearances.
The midfielder especially made a name for himself after an impressive 2019/20 season in the Premier League, which was Sheffield’s first season in the top-flight in 12 years. He inspired the team to a 9th place finish in a season where the Blades were tipped to be relegated. (h/t transfermarkt)
Lundstram would fit the Burnley midfield well
Having played under Chris Wilder, a manager akin to Sean Dyche when it comes to tactics, Lundstram should not have much trouble adjusting to Burnley’s workhorse midfield. Burnley, on the other hand, are in dire straits when it comes to depth in midfield.
Without injured midfielder Jack Cork, the Clarets have had to stick with a midfield pairing of Josh Brownhill and Ashley Westwood. New signing Dale Stephens is not getting younger as the 31-year-old has featured in just 3 matches this season despite Burnley lacking midfielders.
Lundstram can also chip in with goals, as the midfielder made 3 assists and scored 5 himself in the 2019/20 season. Burnley are the worst attacking side in the league this season, having scored just 3 goals in 8 league games.
Looking at Lundstram’s heat map, it’s visible that the central midfielder likes to play on the right-hand side of midfield. Burnley have started Robert Brady, Josh Brownhill, and Johann Gudmundsson down that flank over various points this season. The three have mustered just 1 goal and a solitary assist in a combined 23 appearances.
Lundstram can chip in with goals and create for others when necessary, as he showed last season. At just 26 years of age, the Englishman is arguably in the prime physical spell of his career. He could offer his best years to whichever team he commits himself to next season.
Verdict
Lundstram can still renew his deal at Sheffield United. However, it is safe to assume that he is one midfielder who can be a realistic solution to turn around Burnley’s relegation form this season. If Burnley do express any interest in the player, the funds would be made available to them to meet the fee and the player’s wages.
However, the player could be signed on a free transfer next summer if he doesn’t renew his contract.
